Hampden Select Board Approves $595,000 Fire Station Architect Contract

HAMPDEN — April 6, 2026 — Hampden Select Board approves $595,000 fire station architect contract and trims Annual Town Meeting warrant. The board voted unanimously Monday to execute the design contract, which covers schematic through final design, permitting, construction oversight, and civil engineering — drawn against the town's $8.3 million fire station bond and joining a previously approved $475,000 project manager fee for a combined professional services commitment exceeding $1 million before any site work begins. "We haven't even moved a blade of grass yet," noted member Don before the board voted in favor. The board also removed the wheel loader and senior center window replacement articles from the Annual Town Meeting warrant, directing the town administrator to purchase the loader using leftover Chapter 90 state aid and to solicit three price quotes for the approximately $49,000 window project, with a June start targeted. The warrant is aimed for posting around April 13, pending final language on a Community Preservation Act repeal article.